Scott Mitchell Rosenberg

Having been mildly entertained by the hodge-podge film Cowboys & Aliens in the summer of 2011, I was intrigued to actually read the graphic novel that served as inspiration for that film. I ended up far more impressed by the graphic novel than by the film. They resemble each other in only broad strokes -- both deal with humans in the wild west encountering a small alien invasion force and their efforts, with the assistance of one rebellious alien, to prevent the invaders from summoning show more additional reinforcements. Where the film introduces human conflicts with a cattle baron and an amnesiac central hero, the graphic novel is much more of a straight adventure story, with a traditional heroic cowboy trying to save the day. I'm not a fan of the art in the graphic novel, which varies from quite good to atrocious, but the flow of the action and the storytelling was good. If you haven't seen the film, the book will make even more sense. I recommend this -- as both science fiction, western and graphic storytelling.

Originally reviewed for my local library's website: http://www.lincolnlibraries.org/depts/bookguide/srec/staffrec12-03.htm show less

A fun romp of a comic! The title says it all, well, except Native Americans are in the fight too! It's a fast paced story, maybe even too fast paced! But it's a fun one!

Wow, this was a total let down. I wanted to read the graphic novel before I saw the movie, but now all I can think is the movie has to be better. The concept is great, but the story and illustrations were ridiculous (not even in a funny way). I knew it was going to be bad when the American Indians had these huge six-pack abs and names like "No Name." I can't believe this is classified as adult and not juvenile. The best thing about this graphic novel is the cover. Skip it.

Wow, this was a total let down. I wanted to read the graphic novel before I saw the movie, but now all I can think is the movie has to be better. The concept is great, but the story and illustrations were ridiculous (not even in a funny way). I knew it was going to be bad when the American Indians had these huge six-pack abs and names like "No Name." I can't believe this is classified as adult and not juvenile. The best thing about this graphic novel is the cover. Skip it.